George Barrington

Barrington, George (bârˈĭngtən) [key], 1755–c.1804, notorious English pickpocket, b. Ireland. His family name was Waldron. Arriving in London in 1773, he became a professional pickpocket and, obtaining introductions in society, robbed many wealthy persons. After serving several jail terms, he was sentenced in 1790 to seven years transportation to Australia. For his aid in suppressing a mutiny aboard the transport ship, he was released in 1792 and later became superintendent of convicts. He is supposed to have written A Voyage to Botany Bay (1801) and a history of New South Wales (1802).